Barry Baker

Loves journalism, is not a journalist. Loves politics, is not a politician. Loves the media, is not a medium. Barry is committed to helping the world become a more interesting place with Power of Opinion.

January 16, 2009

Movie, Interrupted

As discussed here in the past, my work takes me frequently on the road to various locations across Canada. I enjoy meeting with customers face-to-face, but dislike the time spent away from my young family.

A couple of years ago I would hit the theater at least once a week for a movie, but given how much time is currently spent on the road, when in town I prefer to just stay at home. These days, I catch far more movies in airplanes and hotel rooms than at actual theaters.

The frustrating part of catching movies on the road is how often one misses the second half or tail end when the plane starts to descend and the entertainment system shuts off. Maybe if I wasn't so greedy, if I didn't always push my luck and try for a second movie, I wouldn't be in that position. But the same quirk of personality that makes me perpetually late, the fact that I can't be content with what I've already accomplished, that I have to squeeze in just one more thing no matter what, does me in.

But tonight was different.

On Air Canada flight 115 from Toronto this evening (picture, at right), I finished not one, but two movies! Now when I say finished, that's exactly what is meant; I finally caught the second half of two movies; Traitor with Don Cheadle and Ghost Town with Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, and Greg Kinnear. While working until the charge on my laptop expired. And reading two newspapers. And switching seats to an exit row, with at least two more glorious inches of legroom. Sweet!

Finally, I am content. After an already long day of work, I squeezed a lot of things in, managed to accomplish some professional objectives, and resolve some unresolved leisure activities (like writing this post). Today was a good day. And I just had to share.

To share your thoughts about travel, Don Cheadle, Ricky Gervais, Air Canada, or anything else with readers of Right Up
Your Alley: Kamloops, just click on "Comments" (below)

Comments

Movie, Interrupted

As discussed here in the past, my work takes me frequently on the road to various locations across Canada. I enjoy meeting with customers face-to-face, but dislike the time spent away from my young family.

A couple of years ago I would hit the theater at least once a week for a movie, but given how much time is currently spent on the road, when in town I prefer to just stay at home. These days, I catch far more movies in airplanes and hotel rooms than at actual theaters.

The frustrating part of catching movies on the road is how often one misses the second half or tail end when the plane starts to descend and the entertainment system shuts off. Maybe if I wasn't so greedy, if I didn't always push my luck and try for a second movie, I wouldn't be in that position. But the same quirk of personality that makes me perpetually late, the fact that I can't be content with what I've already accomplished, that I have to squeeze in just one more thing no matter what, does me in.

But tonight was different.

On Air Canada flight 115 from Toronto this evening (picture, at right), I finished not one, but two movies! Now when I say finished, that's exactly what is meant; I finally caught the second half of two movies; Traitor with Don Cheadle and Ghost Town with Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, and Greg Kinnear. While working until the charge on my laptop expired. And reading two newspapers. And switching seats to an exit row, with at least two more glorious inches of legroom. Sweet!

Finally, I am content. After an already long day of work, I squeezed a lot of things in, managed to accomplish some professional objectives, and resolve some unresolved leisure activities (like writing this post). Today was a good day. And I just had to share.

To share your thoughts about travel, Don Cheadle, Ricky Gervais, Air Canada, or anything else with readers of Right Up
Your Alley: Kamloops, just click on "Comments" (below)